The Food Sanitation Inspection and Licensing Program inspects and licenses food service establishments, grocery stores and retail food stores in New Hampshire. The responsibilities of field inspectors include investigating complaints, inspecting food service establishments that are new or that have changed ownership, and routinely inspecting facilities that are already licensed. These inspectors have authority to approve the issuance of provisional licenses that are valid for 90 days for new food establishments and when establishments change ownership. Field inspectors are also involved in the investigation of foodborne disease outbreaks, food salvage after natural and man-made disasters, and training of food service workers.

Food Service Licenses

Anyone wanting to manufacture, process, store or distribute food in New Hampshire must obtain a license from the Food Protection Section by submitting an application with the appropriate fee and meet the requirements of He-P 2300, the New Hampshire Rules for the Sanitary Production and Distribution of Food. *Except establishments in one of the self-inspecting communities.

Please Note: RSA 143-A:4 I states that "It shall be unlawful for any person, unless exempted under RSA 143-A:5, to operate a food service establishment or retail food store within the state without having obtained a food service license to be issued by the commissioner." For new establishments or establishments that change ownership, an application must be submitted along with the appropriate fee and an inspection must be conducted before a license will be issued.